Munro · Glen Coe & Lochaber
Na Gruagaichean
Na Gruagaichean (1054m) — "the maidens" — is the twin-topped Munro at the eastern end of the Mamores horseshoe above Kinlochleven. The South-West Top is the Munro proper; the North-East Top is a slightly lower subsidiary. The connecting ridge between them is the technical interest of the hill — a narrow rocky crest with a short scrambling step. Almost always tackled together with Binnein Mòr, which it directly faces across the deep Bealach a' Chumhainn.
Quick facts
- Height
- 1054.3m/ 3459ft
- Distance
- 18 km
- Ascent
- 928 m
- Time
- 6–9 hrs
- Grid ref
- NN203652
- Parking
- NN187622
- Nearest city
- Fort William
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
Estate track 30% · Open hillside 35% · Rocky summit ridge 35%
The usual line is from Mamore Lodge above Kinlochleven. Take the West Highland Way and the high stalkers' path north-east to the head of Coire na Bà, then climb the well-built path onto the south ridge of Na Gruagaichean and the South-West Top. Traverse the narrow crest to the North-East Top and on to the deep Bealach a' Chumhainn, then climb the south ridge of Binnein Mòr. Around 16km with 1300m of ascent for the pair.
Terrain
The Mamore Lodge access road is private — park in the public area at Kinlochleven and walk up. The high stalkers' path along the south flank of the Mamores is one of the finest in the country, contouring at around 600m. The summit ridge between the two tops of Na Gruagaichean is narrow with a short awkward rocky step where a downclimb of about 4m is required. The drop to the bealach for Binnein Mòr is steep loose scree.
In winter
A serious Mamores winter ridge. The narrow connection between the two summits requires care under snow — the rocky step can become a true winter scramble. Cornicing on both sides of the crest is consistent. The Bealach a' Chumhainn is deep and avalanche-prone after westerly loading. The Kinlochleven approach is sheltered and a useful retreat option. SAIS Lochaber applies; phone signal absent above 750m.
This hill is in the Glen Coe SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 17m
- Edinburgh3h 58m
OS maps: OS Landranger 41
Mobile signal: No signal above 750m in the Mamores. Kinlochleven offers the best coverage for the southern approaches. Download Landranger 41 before setting off.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:31
- Sunset
- 22:06
- Civil dawn
- 03:28
- Civil dusk
- 23:09
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 June 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Na Gruagaichean.
Around Na Gruagaichean on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Fort William station
Ben Nevis, Mamores, Aonachs, Knoydart ferry connection
13km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Fort William
Ben Nevis base, West Highland Line, gateway to Lochaber
13km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Ben Nevis Distillery
Fort William — Lochaber distillery at the foot of the Ben; long-aged Japanese-owned classics
13km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Na Gruagaichean — common questions
- How hard is Na Gruagaichean?
- Na Gruagaichean is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 18km with 928m of ascent and takes most walkers 6-9 hours. Terrain: The Mamore Lodge access road is private — park in the public area at Kinlochleven and walk up.
- Where do I park for Na Gruagaichean?
- Standard parking is at NN187622 near Fort William. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb Na Gruagaichean?
- The standard good-weather months for Na Gruagaichean are May, June, July, August, September, October. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up Na Gruagaichean?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on Na Gruagaichean?
- No signal above 750m in the Mamores. Kinlochleven offers the best coverage for the southern approaches. Download Landranger 41 before setting off.
- Is Na Gruagaichean safe in winter?
- A serious Mamores winter ridge. The narrow connection between the two summits requires care under snow — the rocky step can become a true winter scramble. Cornicing on both sides of the crest is consistent. The Bealach a' Chumhainn is deep and avalanche-prone after westerly loading. The Kinlochleven approach is sheltered and a useful retreat option. SAIS Lochaber applies; phone signal absent above 750m.
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